Meet the Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Meet the Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I never knew about this series until Micah received it for Christmas. It is the cutest set of early reader books based on the original series of The Boxcar Kids. They are simplified and condensed to a young reader level, but still follow the basic outline of the older version. Each page has colorful illustrations and the story line is from the perspective of young Benny. I highly recommend this book - and this series - which is probably best for a first to second grade reading level or ages 4 to 8 for reading together.

John Calvin by Catherine Mackenzie

John Calvin Little Lights: What is the Truth by Catherine Mackenzie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

In my endeavor to introduce my children to men and women of strong faith I turned to the Little Lights biography series and this delightful book is the seventh out of eight in the series. It is appropriate for young children ages two to three and on up. This book is about the life of John Calvin and it begins the story when he was a young boy getting a funny haircut for school. It is a full picture book with relevant and life-like illustrations that capture the child's attention while reading the simple but comprehensive story line. It also contains picture captions that sum up the paragraph on the opposing page for the young readers who browse this book alone. While it can't cover John's life in great detail, it is a healthy balance between tid-bits that attract kids and the main points of his life and ministry. And the entire book is written in a beautiful flow that is easy for kids to understand and still interesting to older readers. I highly recommend this book to anyone with young children or who interacts with young children. You will be blessed and so will they!

Martin Luther by Catherine Mackenzie

Martin Luther Little Lights by Mackenzie Catherine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I really want my children to learn at young ages about the men and women who have poured out their lives to further the gospel for the generations to come. Martin Luther is one of those heroes of faith and this book is a perfect introduction for my children ages 4, 6, and 8.

It's a picture book and biography combined and it is fun to look at and interesting to read for both young and old. It is a fairly comprehensive overview of his life for such a small book meant for such young minds. I appreciate how it talks not just about his adult ministry, but begins with his childhood, too. This sweet book also includes captions on the picture page that sum up what is being read on the opposite page - kind of a "young reader" phrase that a first grader can read and still understand when browsing the book alone.

I highly recommend this book because it's a delightful short read perfect for any time and any age that brings to light the life of a faithful man after God's own heart.

Long Story Short by Marty Machowski

Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God by Marty Machowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Fabulous!

I love this family devotional book that can easily be made to work for a wide range of ages. The first reason being that it ties the Old Testament to the gospel! Too many family/kid devotionals just give stories rather then truly help kids connect with the Word of God. In this book, which gives you five, ten-minute devotions per week, there is at least one day when your reading a New Testament passage that connects to the Old Testament story line of the week.

The next reason I like this family devotional is that it's easy. And very simple, too. There are some suggest object lessons, but they are simple and certainly not mandatory for the kids to get the week's lesson. If you don't do it everything will still make sense.

And the third reason I like this book is because it's comprehensive. It incorporates reading Scripture, discussion and interaction, and prayer all together in an easy to follow format that really only takes ten minutes - if that.

In the words of Emily: "This book is fun!" And our family loves it!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Christian parents know the importance of passing the gospel story on to their children, yet we live in a busy world filled with distractions. Schedules collide, there is homework and yard work and dishes and laundry, the car's oil should be changed, there are phone calls to make and before you know it, everyone is getting to bed late again.

The Bible can seem like a long story for an active family to read, but when you break it down into short sections, as Marty Machowski does, family devotions are easy to do. Long Story Short will help busy parents share with their children how every story in the Old Testament points forward to God's story of salvation through Jesus Christ. You won't find a more important focus for a family devotional than a daily highlighting of the gospel of grace. Clever stories and good moral lessons may entertain and even help children, but the gospel will transform children. The gospel is deep enough to keep the oldest and wisest parents learning and growing all their lives, yet simple enough to transform the heart of the first grader who has just begun to read.

Ten minutes a day, five days a week is enough time to pass on the most valuable treasure the world has ever known. Long Story Short is a family devotional program designed to explain God's plan of salvation through the Old Testament and is suitable for children from preschool through high school.

There’s a Wocket in My Pocket! by Dr. Seuss

There's a Wocket in My Pocket! by Dr. Seuss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of my all time favorite kids books. It's fun to read and fun to listen to! While it's pure silliness, it is great for teaching children about rhymes. My 1st grade daughter loves reading this book aloud and it is great practice for sounding out words. Wocket In My Pocket engages a child's imagination and invokes pretending since most everything is made up in this story. I give it 4 stars for it's wholesome entertainment and high educational value.

Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright

Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This book is adorable! The pictures are delightful and downright fun to look at. They are rich in color and full of action. The story line is that of a snowman who keeps having to be rebuilt for reasons that you'll have to read the book to find out! While it's simply a fun read, it's easy to tie it to a lesson on being content with the way God made you. I think that it's a delightful book to add to your bookshelves, especially if you have children ages 2 to 6.

A Little Girl After God’s Own Heart & A Little Boy After God’s Own Heart

Welcome to Day 2 of the After God’s Own Heart post series!

A Little Girl After God's Own Heart: Learning God's Ways in My Early Days by Elizabeth George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Elizabeth George takes her fabulous teaching of the Word of God and presents it on the level of a young girl. She uses rhymes and the illustrations of Judy Luenebrink to walk a little girl through the Fruit of the Spirit and how it applies to her young life. It's a tender teaching tool that both adult and child will enjoy.

Personally I love the book for the truth of Scripture it holds within it. Secondly I love this book because it combines spiritual growth with a simple thing most of us parents do on a regular basis - read to our children. Why not accomplish both academic and spiritual teaching into one thing?!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

You can have joy and peace all day long — When all is good… or if everything’s wrong! A girl after God is a girl who knows Her heart’s the place Where happiness grows.

Every day there is a way to know and show God’s love!
•Love
•Patience
•Faithfulness
•Gentleness
•Joy and Peace
•Kindness and Goodness
•Self-Control

So many treasures are in store for a little girl after God’s own heart.

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A Little Boy After God's Own Heart by Jim George
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Jim and Elizabeth George come together to create a fabulous and Biblically sound book for little boys based on the Fruit of the Spirit. They take their biblical teaching found in all the adult and teen books and bring it down to the level of a 3 to 6 year old boy. Rhymes and the illustrations of Judy Luenebrink are used to apply the Bible to a little boy's every day life. It's a tender teaching tool that both adult and child will enjoy.

Personally I love the book for the truth of Scripture it holds within it. Secondly I love this book because it combines spiritual growth with a simple thing most of us parents do on a regular basis - read to our children. Why not accomplish both academic and spiritual teaching into one thing?!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

God’s little boy is faithful and true,
So if you say you’ll help, be sure that you do.
Oh, how a family is happy and blessed
When you, their dear son, show faithfulness.

Bestselling authors Jim and Elizabeth George share biblical truths in fun rhymes for little guys. Joining together again with popular artist Judy Luenebrink (God’s Wisdom for Little Boys), the Georges offer growing boys encouragement to

* show God’s love when being a good friend
* honor their parents by behaving well
* practice patience as they help others—including brothers and sisters
* demonstrate the Golden Rule by being generous
* follow through as a faithful, obedient boy

The combination of charming paintings and easy–to–learn lessons will guide boys toward the heart of God and toward a life of godliness that shows in their words, actions, and spirit.

Oh, Bother! Someone’s Messy!

Oh, Bother! Someone's Messy! by Betty Birney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

A messy room. A child who doesn't care. A frustrated mommy.

Sound familiar? Here is a cute and somewhat "back door" approach to talking to your child about his/her messy room. Bright colors, adorable characters, and a simple little tale explain the importance of keeping your room clean in this short children's book. Not only does Roo find out that it's more fun to have a clean room, but Piglet shows him how to have a tidy room!

This fun little book with a lesson tucked into it's pages is great for ages 3 to 6 - give or take on either side depending on siblings.

Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break by James Moore

Christmas Gifts That Won't Break by James Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Christmas Gifts That Won't Break is a unique way to celebrate Christmas! This 4-week Advent study is fully equipped and loaded with resources, teacher aids, and class activities to keep any class room busy as they learn about God's gifts to us.

I liked how all the material - games, crafts, lesson, etc - is in one neat little book. And there is so much material you may not actually get to use it all! This book is brimming with great ways to drive home the truth of God's love to young children of all ages. The material is applicable and/or adaptable for ages 2 through 12 and would be a great special Sunday School series or Children's Church series.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

This study explores how the gifts of the Advent season have a permanence that speaks to generations of children past, present, and future. Everything you need to implement this study for children is self-contained in this single resource. No additional student books are required.

What are the Christmas gifts that won’t break? They are those gifts that cannot be lost, that never go out of style, and that are independent of the chances and changes of life. They are the gifts that have been graciously given by God.

Designed to be used in conjunction with the Adult and Youth versions in an all-church Advent study, this study will focus on four of those gifts that also coincide with the four outer candles of the traditional Advent wreath:

* Hope
* Love
* Joy
* Peace

During these 4-week studies, children will receive from God and pass on to others “Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break!”

DETAILS:

Published by: Abingdon Press
ISBN: 9781426708282
Price: $12.95

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Abingdon Press but the opinion expressed is my own.

Who Is God? by Kathleen Ruckman

Who Is God? by Kathleen Ruckman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I love, love, love this sweet children's book that mixes adorable farm life with theology at an age appropriate level for young minds and hearts. Kathleen Ruckman has written a beautiful story that teaches Biblical truth while it entertains with simple delight. The main characters - Grandpa, Adam, and Annie - are easy to relate to and interact with one another in such a loving way that provides a wonderful example even from within the pages of a colorful storybook. I greatly appreciate how it teaches about God's love for us in practical, every-day terms and explains who God is so clearly for young children. This book is a must-have for any child's book shelf!

BOOK OVERVIEW

In Kathleen Ruckman’s delightful book for kids ages 5-8, colorful illustrations from Greg Hardin animate Annie and Adam’s adventures on their grandpa’s farm and the lessons they learn about God. Every starry sky, barnyard animal, and fishing trip leads to a conversation and an opportunity for young ones to discover God as Creator, Provider, and loving Father.

This delightful story explores the wisdom of the Bible, the love of Jesus, and the joy of being a child of God. A handy scripture reference is included to help parents and teachers in their conversations about God with special little ones in their lives.

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This review was provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. 

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These 5 books are awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because they are so good, they have been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

Adventures of Rusty & Ginger Fox by Tim Ostermeyer

Adventures of Rusty & Ginger Fox by Tim Ostermeyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

A cute tale - literally! - and wonderful photography collide in this unique book about two young foxes. It's fun to read and the photos are a delight. My 5-year-old daughter enjoyed both the story, photographs, and especially all the fun facts about the specific animals seen in this story. I highly recommend it for the fun learning it provides. The only downfall is that the end is so strange in comparison to the first half of the book and seems almost out of place in the book. However, despite the strange finish it is still an adorable children's book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Join Rusty and Ginger as they travel through the woods. Author Tim Ostermeyer’s beautiful wildlife photography provides a fox’s-eye view of the forest. With a charming story to guide the way, and a fact page of wildlife information for every animal introduced in the book, readers can explore nature alongside Rusty and Ginger.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Phenix & Phenix but the opinions expressed are my own.

The Jesus Movie: Read & Share DVD Bible

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

MY REVIEW:

This is 80 minutes of entertainment and teaching based on the life of Christ.  It is a good overview of the life of Christ in a format that kids – specifically ages 3 to 6 – will enjoy.  The cartoon style will capture their attention and the story format of the movie – vs telling of events – will draw them in.

I like the way that the Read & Share Bible series puts things on a child’s level.  However the only draw back I have is that some of the stories are added to.  They take a few verses and use them to create a story board for the DVD.  While I do not have a problem with thinking about what it might have been like back then, I also think it’s important that we – especially young children – don’t get fiction confused with fact.  This is not necessarily a “don’t watch”, but rather a “watch with discernment”.  Used in the proper context – personally I say not in a church setting – it would make for a great way to read the Biblical passage – or portion thereof – and then watch the story acted out on this sweetly animated DVD.

DVD OVERVIEW:

Based on the art style of the Read and Share^® Bible, The Jesus Movie transports children to Nazareth for the story of Jesus’ birth, follows his life and miracles along the shores of Lake Galilee and ends in Jerusalem with his arrest, crucifixion and resurrection—all in one dramatic 80-minute movie. The excitement and joy of Jesus’ life, the danger and conflict with the Pharisees, the challenge and growth of the disciples—it’s all here in a simple, straightforward narrative.

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This review DVD was provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson but the opinions expressed are my own.

The Flo Show Creates A Buzz DVD

MY REVIEW:

Max Lucado’s Hermie & Friends series is a fun, upbeat, wholesome, and creative show for kids to watch. The kids and I enjoy the bright characters who entertain and teach Biblical truth in an easy-to-understand way.  The catchy tunes stick with the kids and I often hear my kids whistling or humming them around the house.  The characters stretch kids imagination (talking bugs!) while pushing them to think through their little lives and how they can love, obey, be kind, etc… In this episode, the theme of forgiveness and apologizing is well portrayed. And just for silly fun, don’t forget to watch the cartoon short “Little Red Hermie in the Hood”!  Adults will enjoy these family friendly DVDs just as much as the kids!

DVD OVERVIEW:

When Flo gets her own TV talk show, she is positively thrilled!  She has to think about what to say, what to wear, and who to invite as guests.  What she isn't thinking about are other people's feelings.  After insulting every guest on her show, she finally realizes that she needs to apologize for the means things she said.  Flo learns that words are very powerful.  In fact, the words "I'm sorry" can make all the difference.  Children will learn that by saying you're sorry, you are asking foregiveness and fixing your friends with another person.

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Thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing the review copy.  The opinions expressed are my own.

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 More Great Resources:

The Way Home DVD (readornotread.blogspot.com)
Gigi's Big Break {GIVEAWAY!!!} (readornotread.blogspot.com)
The Great TV Turn-Off by Beverly Lewis (readornotread.blogspot.com)

Remy the Rhino Learns Patience by Andy McGuire

Remy the Rhino Learns Patience by Andy McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

It's cute, it's catchy, and it's oh so appropriate for young children. *ahem* And maybe for Mom and Dad, too!

The story is short and oh so sweet with lovable characters and charming rhymes. The concept of patience is simply explained in a way that one to five-year-olds can easily grasp, but also that some older children will enjoy, too. And the whole story lends itself easily to dramatizing it with your voice as Remy goes through many emotions.

The illustrations are adorable and it's quite fun to look at the expressions on the animals faces through out the book. The whole story makes a wonderful read with your children that is more than just entertaining.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with younger kids, but especially to those with toddler age and/or pre-school age.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Andy McGuire, artist and author of the popular Rainy Day Games, presents enchanting art and rhymes to share the story of Remy, the impatient Rhino. When the other animals annoy him, he snorts and charges right for them.

One day, an aardvark decides not to run, and Remy’s horn gets stuck in a tree! The forgiving aardvark gathers termites to slowly eat away the wood and free Remy—not only of his situation but of his impatient ways.

So as Remy experienced strange new sensations
He took a crash course in the virtue of patience.
He waited through rain and he waited through thunder
He waited through birds climbing over and under…
He waited through elephant balancing acts
Until little by little, he learned to relax.

This hilarious story shows children ages 1 to 5 how to get unstuck from their impatience and enjoy peace and the people around them.

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This review copy was provided by Harvest House Publishers but the opinions expressed are my own.

Gigi and the Royal Pink Circus DVD

MY RATING: 4 Stars

 MY REVIEW:

Gigi has become a well-loved character for both my 7-year-old and 5-year-old daughters.  And I have to admit that my 3-year-old son gets a kick out of the boys in the series, too!

Gigi and her “all-things-princess” attitude connects with my girls who love make-believe and princess.  However, this series is more than just about pink,, purple, frills, lace, and fancy stuff – it’s about being God’s little princess.  As a Mom I appreciate the message that little girls are not just some fashionable title of “Princess” as we see slapped on clothing for girls of all ages, but a treasured gem of God. 

This DVD sends that message big time as the first episode is about showing love towards others and then the second episode features the truth that our true beauty is found only in God.  I highly recommend this DVD and any of the 5 prior to it.  You and your daughters will not be disappointed.  And it would be something fun to show at a princess tea party or themed birthday party!

The running time on this is a little over 60 minutes total and is best for 8-year-olds and younger.

DVD OVERVIEW:

Two episodes in one DVD!

The Royal Pink Circus: Gigi and Frances are both excited to go see the traveling circus.  They’ve heard that it is the only circus in the world with princess tightrope walkers and pink tigers. Well, that last part may or may not have been accurate. The girls learn that getting everything 'right' is not as important as showing love and caring for our friends.

The Princess Hair ‘Do: Gigi sees a TV special about a princess from another country who has short hair and decides that getting her hair cut short will make her both gorgeous and more princess-y.  Ever get a haircut you weren’t happy with?  In the end, Gigi learns that beauty is only skin-deep and that, no matter what, she is still a princess in God's eyes.

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This review copy was provided by Tommy Nelson, but the opinions expressed are strictly that of my own.

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• Gigi's Big Break {GIVEAWAY!!!} (readornotread.blogspot.com)
• His Princess Girl Talk with God by Sheri Rose Shepherd {Giveaway!} (readornotread.blogspot.com)

The Great TV Turn-Off by Beverly Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Beverly Lewis has written a very creative series of books titled The Cul-De-Sac Kids which are great for elementary age kids to read alone or for parents to read to them and younger kids. My kids and I enjoy the fun characters who deal with everyday problems that children face in America. This group of first and third graders will not only entertain your children but teach them some biblical lessons along the way, too.

I really enjoyed this 18th book in the series because it was all about T.V. Turn-off week. It showed that while it may be hard, there are other things to do than just watch T.V. and that you can actually have fun not watching!

This book would be a great way to introduce or kick-off your own no T.V. week as a family. You will appreciate the multi-generational approach as depicted in this book.

For more great books by Beverly Lewis, be sure to check out this website…

Life And Miracles: DVD Read and Share Bible

The Read and Share Bible is a great children’s Bible to read to your young family.  Now you can add some great DVD’s to their viewing repertoire as well. 

Based off of the Read and Share Bible, this videos bring the stories to life in animation.  They are simple and yet teach the basic concepts and accounts to young minds.  My children (7, 5, & 3) enjoyed watching it, but I do have to say that it is more appealing to younger children around the ages of 2 to 4.  It is 30 minutes in length and a great DVD to use before nap time or when you want them to settle down rather than stir them up!

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Thanks to TommyNelson for providing today’s DVD for review!  The opinions expressed are my own.

Bible Stories For Growing Kids by Francine Rivers & Shannon Rivers Coibion

Bible Stories for Growing Kids by Francine Rivers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Excellent!

I'm not even sure if this word is adequate enough to describe my thoughts on this audio book. It is one of the best resources for 4 to 8 year olds I have reviewed.

First of all I love how they tell Bible accounts in a short format with a flair that stays true to the Bible but also makes it come alive. Then they follow up each story with personal application in the "Growing Time" section. Not only are kids learning about well-known and not-so-well-known Bible characters, they are learning how the Word of God effects their own lives.

I can't wait to have my children enjoy this audio book with fantastic narration while they drift to sleep each night. This is a must have for every home with children!   You can listen to a sample by clicking here.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

From this gifted mother-daughter team of Francine Rivers and Shannon Rivers Coibion come the Bible stories youll want to share with the growing kids in your life. Meet thirty important people from the Old and New testaments - some of them famous Bible figures like Abraham and Paul, and others unsung heroes like Amos and Priscilla. The stories will capture kids hearts and minds, and the "Growing Time" sections will help them apply the lessons of each story so they can live for God today!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio and all opinions expressed are my own.

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You can support To Read, Or Not To Read by purchasing your own copy through my Amazon Affiliate link below.

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These 5 books are awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because they are so good, they have been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

What’s In The Bible? – Wanderin’ In The Desert

MY REVIEW:

Wanderin’ In The Dessert is the third DVD in a series created by Phil Vischer that walks kids (and parents!) through an overview of the Bible. This episode covers the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

While I can’t say I agree with every last detail, I still appreciate this video for the great teaching it does offer.  It has a variety show feel with fun and likeable characters that attract both kids and adults.  In my opinion it is a great way to study Bible Overview with kids.  It presents facts in a fun way that will not only hold their attention but have them remembering them for years to come.

As a Mom of 3 children – 7, 5, & 3 – I am always looking for creative ways to teach my children here at home.  Our kids attend a Christian school but we feel very strongly about our responsibility to teach our children in the home as well.  I have, and plan to continue to use this series as a fun way of spending time with my kids while they learn.  It will give us a great starting point for some excellent conversations about topics and information that many people don’t know until their later adult years.

I enjoy What’s In The Bible and would recommend this to any family.  However, I do think it’s best used in a family setting rather than a Sunday School or church setting.  For more information be sure to check out the website: www.whatsinthebible.com.

DVD OVERVIEW:

In What’s In the Bible #3, Wanderin’ in the Desert, Buck Denver and his cast of friends take us through the next three books of the Bible—Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—helping kids understand how these books fit in with Genesis and Exodus to make up the Pentateuch and to set the stage for the trials and victories of God’s people. The question “Did this stuff really happen?” is also answered.
From the man who made vegetables talk (and sing and dance and tell Bible stories) comes this third release in the engaging new series that walks kids through the entire Bible! Each DVD is filled with an entertaining cast of characters who bring the most powerful Bible stories to life using humor, creative storytelling, and fun songs. Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer on a wild and zany journey and see the world’s most amazing book come to life.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.  The opinion expressed is strictly my own.  Be sure to check out my review of episode 1 and 2!

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You can watch this video clip from the first 2 episodes to get a feel for the great format Phil Vischer has created.

Be sure to join me next week for T.V. Tuesday with a GIVEAWAY!!!